An undefeated 78-run partnership for the seventh wicket between Imran Jan and Richard Kelly saved the day for Trinidad and Tobago as they clinched the regional one-day competition with a six-wicket win over Guyana. In a tense, low-scoring final at the Kensington Oval in Barbados, Trinidad needed only 161 for victory, but slumped to 83 for 6 before Jan (54 not out) and Kelly (42 not out) bailed them out.
By Wisden Cricinfo staffThe match was reduced to 45 overs per side due to overnight rain, and in conditions conducive to fast bowling, the seamers from both sides dominated. Reyad Emrit took three early wickets for Trinidad, while Kelly chipped in with one, as Guyana were reduced to 19 for 4 after being put in to bat. Shivnarine Chanderpaul (43) and Damodar Daesrath (49) repaired the tottering innings, putting together 88. However, the innings crumbled quickly thereafter, and Trinidad were left to chase a modest target.
They began poorly as well, losing Shazam Babwah, their opener, and, more importantly, Daren Ganga, for ducks. Apart from Jan, the middle order offered no resistance, and it required a spirited effort from Kelly, batting at No. 8, to revive their run-chase.
This was Trinidad and Tobago's first success in a limited-overs tournament since 1996. On that occasion too, they had beaten Guyana in the final.
Scorecard:
Trinidad and Tobago 161 for 6 (Jan 54*, Kelly 42*) beat Guyana 160 (Daesrath 49, Chanderpaul 43, Emrit 4-27) by 4 wickets
